I know I’m not the only one who peruses the local real estate listings for fun. Or walks by the beautiful homes we’re surrounded by, wondering what they look like on the inside. One neighbor acted on this passion and has combined the inspiration she found in local architecture and real estate + her background in marketing to create a new career for herself
Meet Jackie LaPlaca, a mom and real estate agent here in Oak Park. Read on to get to know her and learn things like: what she loves about Oak Park, her work and even what she does first thing in the morning. She may become your trusted partner when your casual perusal of the local real estate listings turns to buying or selling your next house!
Around Oak Park
How long have you been living in Oak Park? What brought you here?
Jackie LaPlaca
I moved to Oak Park three years ago. I am from Orland Park – born and raised. I moved to Oak Park with my husband and three kids for the Oak Park community, schools, and proximity to the city. It’s easy access to our favorite spots in the city. We also love the diversity of Oak Park. It is something we wanted our kids to experience as they grew up.
AOP
What does the perfect day in OP/RF/FP look like for you?
Jackie
Oh, I am a lover of the OP farmers market! I just love the whole experience of a morning at the market. It’s walking distance from my house. Then, watching my kids play sports- I like soccer better than baseball (it’s that time thing). Then, I could take a walk around Thatcher woods, or a walk around the Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Either way, a nice walk around town! My evening dinner would be at Il Vicola (I’m Italian and I just love a good pasta meal), or Maya Del Sol- so tasty. There are so many different scenarios of my perfect day. If it was raining I would have to grab pizza and a movie! I love the Oak Park theater. So cute.
AOP
You mentioned that Oak Park itself prompted you to make a career change. How did that happen? What do you do?
Jackie
I am currently a Realtor with d’aprile properties. I fell in love with Oak Park architecture and the Frank Lloyd Wright tour really was the final sign I needed to pursue real estate as a career. That was my inspiration to get my real estate license. Before that final push, I had always had a passion for architecture and real estate.
I have a background in dental marketing. I am extroverted and come from a family of 6 kids, so I know that time is everything and people don’t like to mess around or be treated unfairly. I love getting to use all my strengths to really help people. I am meeting new people/friends along the way, and get to work in a field I really am passionate about. I’m as excited to see the inside of some houses as my buyers are!
AOP
What has been the most difficult part of starting out in real estate?
Jackie
Every day there is something new. I think just getting my name out there. Gaining trust from the community. Having community support. I want to tell every single person I meet who I am, but I don’t want them to think I’m a crazy person, being pushy etc.
AOP
What did you want to be “when you grew up”?
Jackie
I wanted to be a veterinarian. I love animals so much. Then, I discovered cheerleading, and with my bubbly personality, I was set on being a professional cheerleader. My dad had a nice talk with me about using my skills, paying for college, all that fun stuff. I gave up that dream, went into school undecided and then found marketing was ideal for me.
AOP
In your opinion, what are the top three things someone should consider before starting a career in real estate?
Jackie
• Time- what is your time worth?
• Community- how will your community react/accept you?
• Future- what are the future goals?
• Have a great business plan in place.
• Dream and achieve.
AOP
When you’re not working, where can we find you? Who are you with?
Jackie
When I’m not working I can be found with my husband Nick and our kids – Grace (13), Joey (10) and Leo (3). I’m a frequent visitor of coffee shops….coffee + kids + work = winning combination.
When not watching the kids play spring/summer sports, I spend many weekends at Diversey harbor in Lincoln park. We own a boat there, and I truly love the sport and community of boating. Many nights I will be found out to dinner! I love trying new restaurants.
AOP
What is the first app, website or thing you open/do in the morning?
Jackie
I am addicted to Facebook- I can’t even deny it. I wake up at least an hour before my kids to have “mom quiet time” and I will just scroll away. The second thing I look at is Yahoo Real Estate. I love the articles. It’s my passion.
AOP
What inspires you?
Jackie
Beautiful homes and architecture.
AOP
How do you stay organized? Any tips?
Jackie
I am attached to my phone. I share an iPhone calendar with my husband and daughter. We all can see each other’s schedules. I make lists, a lot of lists. I am green and completely paperless. There are so many great tools these days! It’s amazing.
AOP
How would you describe yourself in three words? How would your friends/family describe you in three words?
Jackie
Me – outgoing, hardworking, dedicated.
Friends/Family – fun, compassionate, loyal.
AOP
One last question as we go through the change of seasons… What is your favorite season and why?
Jackie
I enjoy spring and summer. I love warm and inviting weather. I love seeing people outside. I love outdoor activities, especially warm weather activities!
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To connect with Jackie, visit:
Jackie LaPlaca
Instagram: jackiesellschicago
Twitter: @jackiesellschi
Facebook: d’aprile properties
Website: www.jackielaplaca.com
Work Email: jlaplaca@daprilelroperties.com
Phone: 630.835.7118
